Micheal Clarke and David Warner. (Photo Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images and Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images)
Following Australia’s narrow loss in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, former skipper Michael Clarke has suggested stern changes in the batting order for the forthcoming encounter. The ex-cricketer went in hard against a struggling David Warner, who succumbed to Stuart Broad for a 17th time in the recently concluded Test.
Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has put forward his solution amidst David Warner’s ongoing struggles against Stuart Broad. While the Australian team have got a readymade replacement in Matt Renshaw, Michael Clarke wants someone from the starting eleven to take up the opening role.
Clarke even suggested the name of another struggling Aussie batter, Marnus Labuschagne, for the opening position. While Mitchell Marsh registered a century on his Test comeback, his place in the side is not guaranteed with a fit Cameron Green expected to start in the Manchester Test.
“Tell me what they do now … The No.1 issue is you’ve stuck with Warner, given him every opportunity, and (Stuart) Broad’s still got his number. Is it time? If it’s time, I wouldn’t even be thinking about who opens the batting because you’ve got options.
I reckon Mitch Marsh is in form. If he had to do it, he could do it. Alex Carey probably won’t because he’s got to keep it, but Travis Head could do it. Marnus Labuschagne isn’t making as many runs as he should at No.3. He could open, Smithy could go to No.3 and Head to No.4 (with Marsh and Green No.5 and No.6),” Michael Clarke said on Sky Sports Cricket.
They should either stick with Warner or play with the batting order and keep Mitch Marsh: Warner
Speaking on the debate surrounding Cameron Green’s return, Clarke reckoned that the talented all-rounder should be brought back to the eleven only if he is fit enough to bowl his quota of overs. Green’s return could see Marsh move up the batting order, replacing Warner at the top of the order.
“The thing you’ve got to think about first is is David Warner’s time up? And the other thing, if you’re going to bring Cameron Green back in, is he 100 percent fit to bowl the overs he needs to bowl? I think they should either stick with Warner or play with the batting order and keep Mitch Marsh,” Clarke added.